Thursday, January 28, 2010

Valentine's Day is fast approaching and I am wanting to do something cute for the kids. They would get a big kick out of seeing their face on a bag of treat like these.

{image and instructions via Martha Stewart}

To make these custom treat packages, cut out a picture of your child, scan it, and print onto heavyweight matte paper. Cut tags using pinking shears for the bottom edges, draw hearts, and stamp or write a message on each one. Fold the tags and tape them to cellophane bags filled with sweets.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Today I have sick babies. I just hate that about this time of year. I am sure hoping they feel better soon too, because next week I have jury duty... double yuck. I am ready for this kind of weather, so we can wear these kinds of clothes and do these kind of things.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Thank you Emily for reminding me of Decor Padder Suzie's sitting area in her master bedroom using the Ikea chairs I have so been coveting. I love what Suzie has done with the gallery above and adding in the Etsy pillows. HMMMM... Maybe a birthday present for myself. I think so!

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Swooning over these two imagines. I have been considering cutting down the legs of the table from my entryway to make a new coffee table, then I come across almost the exact look. The only difference is my table is a bit longer and skinnier. This is the way my mind works. I am already thinking of where this "coffee table" will be going next. When we move into a larger home I would love to reinvent that table into a bench at the end of our bed. I don't have room for a bench in our current home.

This photo has nothing to do with the one above, I just love it! That fabulous sofa and the rug. I covet the wall color, art, and sweet side table as well.

Monday, January 18, 2010

We are all trying to find new uses for old things and ways to keep our waste to a minimum. I love the spice isle at Target for that reason. Sounds funny doesn't it. The Archer's Farm brand has such pretty spice containers and when I pick up that pretty bottle I can hardly wait to use up it contents. I haven't figured out what I am going to do with them yet, maybe bud vases.

In the meantime I think I will put these great ideas to use.

Ever lose one of your earrings? Now you can use the one you still have on your pin board. They sure make a lovely pushpin.

How do you carry your cupcakes? Well the next time I need to I am going to reuse a shirt box. Simply cut x's in the top and insert the cupcakes. A shirt box will hold 8 cupcakes.

This is one of my favorites. Mark your guests seat at your next dinner party with a miniature clothes pin and a simple notecard.

Even though the holidays are over, we all have birthdays and other events to celebrate throughout the year. The next time you go out to eat, pick up your coaster. Why? You can reuse it as a gift tag.

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Okay, I have gone back and forth about this chair. While I love slipper chairs, I have to have some arms just in cast I want to lay sideways, lol! I also don't want to spend to much right now with the kids so young. And lastly this is slip covered, so it's washable. What to you think? Is it a do?

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

I have had the throw pillows that came with my sofa (you know the ones that are the same color as your sofa... boring) sitting in the closet waiting to be recovered. Here are a few pretty options I came across via Etsy. I should know what color scheme I want for the living room, but I don't. It is all pretty monochromatic. These are just what jumped out at me. Do you have any new accent colors you are adding to your Casa?

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

I know you have all heard of THE PIONEER WOMAN, well here is a recipe of hers that I tried over the weekend. Can I just say DIVINE! A friend of mine told me about this recipe and I am just now trying it and am pretty sure it will become a staple around here. So easy.

Snap the stem ends of green beans, or cut them off in a big bunch with a knife if you’d like. Just don’t tell Granny. Melt bacon grease in a skillet over medium low heat. Add garlic and onions and cook for a minute. Then add green beans and cook for a minute until beans turn bright green. Add the chicken broth, chopped red pepper, salt, and black pepper. Turn heat to low and cover with a lid, leaving lid cracked to allow steam to escape. Cook for 20 to 30 minutes or until liquid evaporates and beans are fairly soft, yet still a bit crisp. You can add more chicken broth during the cooking process, but don’t be afraid to let it all cook away so the onions and peppers can caramelize.

After finding out last weeks coffee table favorite was glass =(, I am thinking this is a nice option.

I like the chunkiness of it, and my space could handle having a square coffee table. I love this photo too, because my sofa is the same color as these and I have been really been considering going white with the coffee table.

I have had quite the obsession with all shades of mustard lately. And this rug is sure pulling at my heartstrings.

These next two photos I first saw via Haven and Home, and just had to pass along incase you didn't catch them. I am LOVING this chair. As my son would say... She's a beaut!

And last but not least, these poufs! Would be great for our favorite time of the week... movie night!

Monday, January 11, 2010

I am so excited today to help out a great friend of mine. Her mother is building a place on the lake! She loves modern cabinetry and pulls, but wants to incorporate a farmhouse sink. How to do it? I have found some fabulous inspiration!

Okay girls, this is probably my favorite right here! Love the cabinetry... the pulls... the stainless farmhouse sink... LOVE!!!

Friday, January 8, 2010

I mentioned earlier this week that I was doing some rearranging in the living room. I have it all moved around like I think I want it. And along with the new lamp I purchased I am thinking I could now accommodate a coffee table. So I have been eyeing this one from Ikea... that is until I read the "Good to know" it said Handle with care! A strike, knock or scratch can cause the glass to crack suddenly.

OH! Well then, count me out, because I can see one of the kids coming through with their toy hammers and telling me it needed to be "fixed". Oops. =)

I guess I'll keep looking.

Have a wonderful weekend! I hope you are having warmer weather than we are!